By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership finally named the new regional director for Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18), yesterday morning.
In an official document released by PRO-18, PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has named Police Chief Supt. Edmund Alonday Gonzales as regional director for PRO-18 effective May 19, 2017, replacing Police Chief Supt. Renato Gumban.
PRO-18 spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas said Gonzales is a native of Lambunao, Iloilo province, and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinagtala Class of 1986.
Vargas said Gonzales was formerly the director for the PNP’s Maritime Group.
For his former post, Gonzales will be replaced by Police Chief Supt. Marcelo Casabueno Morales.
The order was signed by PNP chief of directorial staff Police Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Gumban is scheduled to retire on May 19, after serving one year as PRO-18 director.
The outgoing director earlier stated he is hoping the new director will continue to intensify the campaign on illegal drugs and illegal gambling in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
Dela Rosa is scheduled to visit Bacolod City on May 19 for Gonzales’ turnover as new PRO-18 director./WDJ